The Star By Hackney Downs

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·3 weeks ago

  “Ordered a steak sandwich, medium rare, how can you get it so badly wrong. Was tough as hell and the fat on it wasnt cool. Also when i payed for it the two gentleman where confused that i gave them change to make the 20 pound, as the tall fella said am i suppose to count that! Really mate? You work behind a bar its your job. 🤷‍♂️”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Booked the outside terrace for a birthday celebration during the World Cup game. It was completely disorganised and the staff were extremely unprofessional. When we arrived they hadn’t cleared the birthday area at all, and told me that I had to kick out the people there myself, who refused to move. I mean seriously? The staff were drinking all shift and basically didn’t want to do anything. There was also a 30 minute period in which the bar was randomly closed. There was also an incident in which one of the bar staff called one of the party a rude name for asking for a stamp to indicate she was on the group tab. Incredible.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Went there for the roast on Sunday. Food is banging and very well portioned. Staff are so nice and friendly too. Couldn’t recommend anymore”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “The vibe on the terrace was really nice. Outside of that, we had some difficulties with actually booking a table for a large party and how the staff handled it. In order to secure a booking the terrace, you have to be a party of 20 people or more and put your card details down. We arrived for our booking and the staff let us know that walk ins had claimed the table marked as ours. The staff were helpful in moving people off the table, but it only accommodated for 6/20 people in the booking. When we asked if we could figure out a way to get some more tables, the staff did it begrudgingly and said I had only booked 1 table. I don’t know how much the staff there are aware of their own booking policies that we have to adhere to, but we had a nice time in the end but it was a bit stressful at the beginning to secure a seated area. If you’re looking to book this place for a large amount of people, I’d recommend going in and speaking to someone as none of the phone numbers available online work.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “We hired the upstairs space for a private event earlier this year. The bar staff was really accommodating and the pub service was as expected. All would have been great except for the security people who are very rude. At some point in the evening, they just started treating people really badly. When I went out for a bit to get some air, upon going back one of them, a woman, just kept yelling “hey, hey, no entry” as if she didn’t just see me go out. When the event ended, one of them went up and sat by the door, arms crossed looking really smug as if we did something wrong. We’d understand if we were a rowdy bunch who made the evening hell for the staff but we weren’t. We were decent human beings trying to enjoy a place we paid for to do so privately. Upon exiting, the same security woman just kept yelling to everyone to get out while we were trying to say thanks to the staff. This kind of negative behaviour ruined what could have been a memorable time. A little kindness, more human interaction, less unnecessary, power-tripping yelling would be better. Honestly, the security people either need training or be replaced.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Amazing sunday roast and burgers! Pretty good cocktails too. But overall good vibes, nice outdoor seating, some board games too.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “🚇 Hackney Downs 🍺 £6.50 Pillars Haus Lager This pub is located opposite Hackney Downs Park in Lower Clapton, East London. The nearest station is Hackney Downs. The pub was built in 1870 and was originally known as The Three Sisters. In 2013, the pub was taken over by @electricstarpubs and renamed, refurbished, and reopened as The Star by Hackney Downs. This is a good-sized, wedge-shaped, single-bar pub with an island servery. There is a function/karaoke room upstairs, and plenty of tables, chairs, and benches outside. The decor consists of a boarded floor, wallpapered walls with historical photos, and comfortable benches with tables and chairs. The brightly painted servery has a circus/fairground theme, with big-top lights around the gantry and a carousel horse at one end. The beer selection offers a mix of familiar favourites, local independent brews, and one cask ale from Five Points Brewery. I decided to keep it local and opted for a Pillars Haus Lager—my pint hit the spot, price point was a smidge above average. Food-wise, it’s burgers and American-style comfort food. A dry-aged cheeseburger costs £14.45, and the pub also serves roasts on Sundays. I arrived at 2:30 pm on a pleasant Saturday afternoon in February. The pub was fairly quiet, with some old-school Clapton locals in one corner, a solo lady enjoying a glass of wine, and a young couple. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, so settling in was very easy. The service was great—I had a lovely chat with the Guv’nor, who was warm, welcoming, and personable. The pub hosts a weekly pub quiz, live music, DJ nights, as well as comedy nights and life drawing. Lots of positives to take away from this Clapton local. I loved the distinctive wedge-shaped architecture, London-brewed beers, the friendly hospitality and the fact that there is plenty to keep you entertained. A very enjoyable visit; definitely check it out if you’re in the area. 📅 28th February 2026”

• G

  Google user

  ·10 months ago

  “We live just across the park and this is our second visit. The staff are lovely, and we came in for a Sunday roast. The food was fantastic— I had the chicken, which was absolutely delicious, and my husband had the pork, which he really enjoyed too. The only downside was that the vegetables and gravy were a little cold and could have been warmer. Overall, it’s a great atmosphere, and we’d love to make this our local. Can’t believe we didn’t try it sooner! We’ll definitely be back—pretty sure the cold bits were just a one-off, but wanted to mention it.”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “One of the best Sunday roasts I’ve had in london. Beef brisket £25 was smokey, incredibly tender. Pork £22 was also delicious although skin could be more crispy. Yorkshire pudding was also perfectly cooked and flavoursome. Veg and and gravy were great. Portions were good and felt very satisfied. Seating available inside and outside. Recommend booking on a Sunday lunchtime”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “Great Sunday lunch here in January. Perfectly cooked beef, really crispy potatoes and delicious veg. Plenty of gravy and a gigantic Yorkshire pudding. Service was excellent. Will definitely be back. Would have been nice to see a slightly more interesting selection of beer and wine but other than that it was perfect. Roast beef around £21 plus drinks and extras. Worth contacting directly for info on wheelchair accessibility which may well be possible and tables well spaced. Calm buzzy atmosphere.”